A trailer manufacturer today announced plans to take on 70 apprentices to support its expansion after a record year of orders and revenues.

A trailer manufacturer today announced plans to take on 70 apprentices to support its expansion after a record year of orders and revenues.

The Cartwright Group specialises in building commercial vehicles, from ambulances to double-deck lorry trailers, and employs more than 550 staff at its headquarters in Altrincham.

The family firm, which boasts one of the most efficient bodywork and trailer manufacturing plants in Europe, will recruit the apprentices over the next two years.

It has developed a two-year, basic engineering programme with Stockport College, with the opportunity to progress to a third year and gain an HNC or HND in engineering.

The announcement comes after Cartwright enjoyed a record year, with orders for around 4,000 vehicles generating a turnover of £78m for the 12 months to March 31, up from £60m.

The apprentice scheme is being targeted at 16-18-year-olds, who will be taught skills including welding, hydraulics, electrical and air system fitting and testing, general fitting and assembly, machine operation, finishing and pre-delivery inspection.

Cartwright Group director John Cartwright said: “Skilled workers are the lifeblood of our company and some of our most senior managers began their careers as engineering apprentices on the shop floor.

“By taking on more apprentices here at Cartwright, we are ensuring that the highly-prized engineering skills which are necessary for our business are passed on to a new generation of workers.

“There are good opportunities for practically-minded teenagers who want to earn a recognised national qualification while being paid a salary and learning about a business from the inside.

“We want to nurture people with the ability succeed and drive our company forward.”

The first intake of 40 apprentices will be selected by July after a three-day workshop to assess their skills and attitude.

They will work four days a week at Cartwright, with one day at Stockport College.

Patricia Byrne, assistant principal at Stockport College, said: “They will learn very practical skills at our workshops, which will give them the right experience to develop a long-term career at Cartwright.”

As well as its manufacturing arm, Cartwright has a rental division which operates a fleet of more than 8,000 trailers.

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